Known as "Van the Man" by his fans, Morrison first rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Northern Irish band Them, writing their 1964 hit "Gloria". A few years later, Morrison left the band for a successful solo career, starting with the album Astral Weeks.
Morrison has pursued an idiosyncratic musical path. Much of his music is tightly structured around the conventions of American soul and R&B, such as the popular singles "Brown Eyed Girl", "Moondance", "Domino", and "Wild Night". An equal part of his catalogue consists of lengthy, loosely connected, spiritually inspired musical journeys that show the influence of Celtic tradition, jazz, and stream-of-consciousness narrative, such as his classic album Astral Weeks and lesser known works such as Veedon Fleece and Common One. The two strains together are sometimes referred to as "Celtic Soul," and Morrison rejects the characterization of his genre of music as Rock, citing Elvis Presley as a non-influence.
He continues to perform regularly and achieved his highest U.S. chart position (number ten on the Billboard 200) with his 2008 album, Keep It Simple.
Youth of 1000 Summers
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's the youth of a thousand summers
Like a sweet bird of youth
Like a sweet bird of youth
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
And he looks so radiant
And he looks so radiant
And he lights up the world
He's the youth of a thousand summers
He's the youth of a thousand summers
Like a sweet bird of youth
Like a sweet bird of youth
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
Yeah, love it, yeah, love it
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
He's the king of the mountain
And the clear crystal fountain
He's the saint of the river
He's the ancient of days
He's the youth of a thousand summers
He's the youth of a thousand summers
Like a sweet bird of youth
Like a sweet bird of youth
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
And he makes you go skipping
And he makes you go dancing
And he gets you in rhythm
And he moves you in song
He's the youth of a thousand summers
He's the youth of a thousand summers
Like a sweet bird of youth
Like a sweet bird of youth
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
Oh, in my soul, in my soul, in my soul
And a sweet bird of youth
In my soul
The lyrics of "Youth of 1000 Summers" by Van Morrison describe a person with a perpetual youth, radiance, and energy that permeates his surroundings. The lyrics liken this person to a "sweet bird of youth" that resides in the soul of the person witnessing his presence. The song emphasizes the effortless influence and control that this youth has over others, making them dance, skip and move to his rhythm and song. The song notes that he is the "king of the mountain," "saint of the river," and "ancient of days," portraying him as an immortal being.
One interpretation of the song is that it reflects the desire to regain youth and the ability to influence others with ease, as one might do in their youth. The lyrics suggest that this youth is a rare and special being, to the point where the youth resides within the soul of those who witness him. It may also be a tribute to a specific person in Morrison's life, perhaps a lover or a spiritual leader. The lyrics convey a sense of worship to this youthful being, highlighting the deep admiration held towards him by the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
He's the youth of a thousand summers
He is endlessly youthful and energetic, as if he has lived through countless summers without losing his vibrancy.
Like a sweet bird of youth
He is like an embodiment of youthful vitality and joy, bringing happiness and light wherever he goes.
In my soul, in my soul, in my soul
He has a profound influence on the singer's spirit, inspiring and uplifting them from the depths of their being.
And he looks so radiant
His presence is so bright and shining that it is impossible not to be drawn towards him.
And he shines like the sun
His aura is like that of the sun, an object of wonder and admiration that illuminates everything around it.
And he lights up the world
He has a positive impact on the world and everyone he encounters, leaving everything he touches a little brighter and happier than before.
Yeah, love it, yeah, love it
The singer is expressing their enthusiasm and admiration for this youthful figure, overwhelmed by their charm and appeal.
He's the king of the mountain
He is a figure of great power and authority, towering over everything around him and commanding respect from all who see him.
And the clear crystal fountain
His influence is like that of a refreshing and pure fountain, a source of life and rejuvenation that quenches the thirst of those who seek it.
He's the saint of the river
He is like an angelic figure, blessing and guarding the waters of the river that flow around him.
He's the ancient of days
He is a timeless figure, one who has existed for countless ages and yet remains as vibrant and strong as ever before.
And he makes you go skipping
His energy and enthusiasm are so contagious that those around him cannot help but be lifted up and filled with joy.
And he makes you go dancing
His influence is like that of music, moving the soul and lifting the body into dance and celebration.
And he gets you in rhythm
He has a powerful sense of rhythm and timing, inspiring those around him to move and act in harmony with him.
And he moves you in song
His words and actions are like a song, an uplifting and inspiring melody that touches the hearts of all who hear it.
Oh, in my soul, in my soul, in my soul
The artist emphasizes once again the depth of the impact that this youthful figure has had on them, penetrating even to the core of their being.
And a sweet bird of youth
The song ends by returning to the image of a bird, a symbol of freedom and joy that captures the essence of this youthful and inspiring figure.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind